8 celebrity approved restaurants in Saudi Arabia

With an array of exceptional and internationally renowned events taking place, Saudi has become a prime destination for celebrities.

Riyadh in particular, is fast becoming a burgeoning hot-spot for delicious dining experiences, with a number of famous and internationally renowned restaurants selecting the capital as their MENA hub. Jeddah is also not far behind the capital in attracting a number of global fine dining experiences and of course destinations such as AlUla offers visitors a fantastic selection of local food options and creative dining concepts.

These famous foodies who jet in from around the world have pinpointed the Kingdom as one of the best destinations in the Middle East for a memorable meal.

Here are some of the celebrity-approved restaurants in Saudi to put on your ever-growing list of must-try restaurants in the Kingdom.

Cristiano Ronaldo

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TATEL Riyadh

At the top of this list comes Cristiano Ronaldo, the international super-sports-star who has made eSaudi his home as he for AlNassr FC. Ronaldo is often spotted at TATEL in Diriyah's Bujairi Terrace. However, this is not surprises as the talented sportsman co-owns the Spanish restaurant with international tennis icon, Rafael Nadal. Despite Ronaldo actually hailing from Portugal, the restaurant celebrates the authentic Spanish dishes. Serving up top-notch Mediterranean and Iberian cuisine in a beautiful and historic location, alongside house made mocktails and daily entertainment, its no wonder that TATEL is the perfect dining destination for Ronaldo and his family. Our top tip? Save room for dessert, especially the signature TATEL cheesecake.

Read more about TATEL here

@tatel.riyadh
Book your table here

Zlatan Ibrahimović and Karim Benzema

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Kuuru Jeddah

When AC Milan’s legendary Zlatan Ibrahimović visited Jeddah to attend the F1 racing events, he had dinner at Kuuru Jeddah, one of the finest international restaurants in the city, offering flavours from Japan and Peru via the innovative Nikkei concept. The wonderful atmosphere and great food also attracted French football striker Karim Benzema. The former Real Madrid player, who is now part of Ittihad Club, was accompanied by sports minister Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal. And there have been many more celebrity sightings as each month lots of international and Saudi stars, influencers, and important figures dine at Kuuru Jeddah.

Read our review of Kuuru Jeddah here

@kuuruksa
Book Kuuru Jeddah here
Book Kuuru Riyadh here

Lionel Messi

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Bait Nassif, Jeddah

Argentinian football hero Lionel Messi has an important role as an ambassador for Saudi Tourism and the face of the latest advertising campaigns. Saudi chef extraordinaire Hakim Bagabas, created a very special experience for the international soccer star. As part of his ambassadorship, Messi was invited to the specially prepared dining experience with a modern Saudi menu in one of Jeddah’s historic houses, Bait Nassif. An iconic location, but unfortunately (for now) this is not a dining experience the average person can experience.

@lionelmessi @jeddahalbalad.sa

Ilkay Gündogan

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Signor Sassi, Riyadh

FC Barcelona’s Ilkay Gündogan is one of the best midfielders in the world, and he spotted at Signor Sassi Riyadh. Located in the Sulaymaniyah neighbourhood, Signor Sassi serves up rich, wholesome Italian food. The football star seized the opportunity to try the restaurant a visit during a team visit for the Spanish Super Cup matches. Set in a luxurious Italian-style villa, Signor Sassi is a slice of Italy n the heart of the Saudi capital, the menu offers a wide range of exceptional dishes and refreshing mocktails.

@signorsassiriyadh
Book your table here

Eva Longoria Baston

Mamo Michelangelo, Riyadh

Hollywood actress Eva Longoria Baston visited Riyadh to take part in the Joy Awards in January 2024. During her visit, Longoria chose to have dinner at Mamo Michelangelo. Mamo Michelangelo is a much-loved Italian restaurant, known for its elegant, romantic decor with a wonderful Mediterranean atmosphere. It is reported the Desperate Housewives star chose several dessert including tiramisu, lemon meringue pie, and the cheesecake while dining at the eatery in the Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah.

@mamomichelangeloksa
Book your table here

Kanye West

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Saffron, AlUla

American producer, songwriter, rapper, and fashion designer Kanye West, also known as Ye, travelled to AlUla to record his new album. While there, he visited Saffron, located within the Banyan Tree AlUla resort. The Thai restaurant, which has earned many prestigious international awards, offers its guests delicious and original flavours by an elite group of Thai chefs, considered the first of its kind in AlUla. With the likes of the refreshing scent of lemongrass, rich and tropical coconut milk, and distinctive spices, every meal is a work of art, while the authenticity and essence of this ancient Asian cuisine is still present in every single dish.

@banyantree.alula
Book your table at Saffron here

João Félix

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Al Mamlaka Social Dining, Riyadh

FC Barcelona and Portugal ace João Félix flew into the Kingdom with his family to enjoy a vacation. During that trip, the Portuguese star was sighted in Al Mamlaka Social Dining, a distinctive dining hall in Riyadh’s Kingdom Centre offering worldwide cuisines from 21 kitchens, all in one place. The menu includes a diverse mix of popular local dishes, Asian street favourites, delicious ready-to-eat items, and fresh Mediterranean-inspired gourmet options, catering to all tastes and desires.

@almamlakasocialdining
No reservation needed, walk-ins only

Johnny Depp

SOMEWHERE, Riyadh

Johnny Depp attended the Red Sea Film Festival in December of 2023, and during his trip to the Kingdom the renowned actor enjoyed the exceptional food served at Bujairi Terrace’s SOMEWHERE. SOMEWHERE offers authentic Saudi dishes and unique international flavours inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, which is rich in diverse options.

@somewhere
Make a reservation right here